Gov. Greg Abbott announced support Friday for closing Texas Republican primaries to non-Republicans, telling delegates at the 2026 Texas Republican Party Convention that “We are going to make it clear that in the future, only Republicans will vote in Republican primaries.”
The statement, delivered during the convention underway at the George R. Brown Convention Center, comes alongside long-standing Texas GOP platform goals of ending the state’s open primary system. Abbott’s endorsement comes as the party seeks greater control over its nominating process following the March 3, 2026, primaries and recent runoffs.
Tune in live @ ~2PM to watch Governor Greg Abbott deliver remarks at the 2026 Texas State Republican Convention in Houston. #UnityDrivesVictoryhttps://t.co/1RSPLsVNro
— Governor Hot Wheels (@GovHotWheels_TX) June 12, 2026
Texas currently operates an open primary system. Registered voters do not affiliate with a political party at registration and may choose to vote in either the Republican or Democratic primary each election cycle, though they may participate in only one party’s primary (or runoff) per cycle. Voters who skip the primary may choose either party’s runoff.
Under a closed primary system favored by Abbott and the Texas GOP, participation in the Republican primary would be limited to voters who register as Republicans. The change would require legislative action and updates to state election law.
Abbott’s remarks address a priority advanced by party activists and officials. The Texas GOP has pursued closed primaries for years, including through litigation against Secretary of State Jane Nelson’s office over implementation and voter rolls. Nelson, an Abbott appointee, announced her resignation last week, potentially easing administrative hurdles.
Party rules on the 2026 Texas GOP State Convention website state the following:
“Texas does not have registration by political party. A voter becomes a Republican by voting in the Republican Primary or Republican Primary Run-Off.” In practice, this has allowed crossover voting, which some Republicans argue dilutes the party’s voice.
A shift to closed primaries would mark a departure from decades of open primaries in Texas. Proponents argue it ensures that only committed Republicans select the party’s nominees, strengthening ideological consistency ahead of general elections. Critics within the party have said open primaries help attract new voters in diverse areas.
Implementation would depend on the Texas Legislature passing enabling legislation in a future session. No immediate timeline for a bill was announced in Abbott’s statement.
